Approved

Ganirelix: Uses, Mechanism, and Side Effects

Molecular formulaC80H113ClN18O13
Molecular weight1570.3 g/mol
Registered trials109
PubChem CID16130957
Brand namesGanirelix Acetate

Key takeaways

  • Ganirelix Acetate Injection is approved to inhibit premature LH surges during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
  • More than 100 registered trials have studied ganirelix, largely in IVF and fertility treatment settings.
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is the most frequently reported adverse event in post-marketing safety reports.
  • Other commonly reported issues involve injection devices and injection site reactions, plus nausea and headache.
  • The drug does not carry a boxed warning.

What ganirelix is

Ganirelix is a synthetic peptide used in fertility medicine, marketed as Ganirelix Acetate. It is given as part of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols used in assisted reproduction. The compound has a molecular formula of C80H113ClN18O13 and is catalogued under PubChem CID 16130957.

What ganirelix is approved for

Ganirelix Acetate Injection is indicated for the inhibition of premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. This approved use centers on timing control during fertility treatment cycles rather than on stimulating egg production itself. No boxed warning is associated with this product.

What the evidence shows

Ganirelix has been studied across 109 registered clinical trials. One completed Phase 2 trial examined dosing of the compound (referred to as Org 36286) to initiate multiple follicular growth in a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocol for IVF or IVF with ICSI. A completed Phase 2/3 trial looked at endometrial injury alongside IVF outcome parameters in patients with prior failed IVF cycles. A currently recruiting trial is comparing a GnRH antagonist protocol against another oocyte accumulation approach in patients with low ovarian reserve.

Reported side effects

Post-marketing reports for ganirelix are led by ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, the most frequently cited reaction by a wide margin. Reports also describe issues related to injection devices, including needle problems and poor device quality, alongside injection site pain. Ascites, nausea, and headache round out the commonly reported terms. These figures reflect counts of submitted reports, not confirmed incidence or proven causation.

FAQ

What is ganirelix used for?
Ganirelix Acetate Injection is approved to inhibit premature LH surges in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. It is used as part of fertility treatment protocols such as IVF.
Does ganirelix have a boxed warning?
No, ganirelix does not carry a boxed warning on its label.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of ganirelix?
The most frequently reported adverse event is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Other commonly reported issues include injection device problems, injection site pain, ascites, nausea, and headache, based on post-marketing report counts rather than confirmed rates.
How much clinical research exists on ganirelix?
Ganirelix has been studied in 109 registered clinical trials, including completed trials on dosing for follicular growth and endometrial injury in IVF, as well as ongoing research in patients with low ovarian reserve.
Is ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome caused by ganirelix?
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is the top reported reaction in post-marketing safety data for ganirelix, but these are report counts, not confirmed causation or incidence rates. Ovarian hyperstimulation is a known risk in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation protocols generally.
This page is an editorial information resource. It does not sell, prescribe, or recommend any medication. Content is editorial information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before any treatment decision.

Sources: FDA label (DailyMed) ClinicalTrials.gov FDA FAERS PubChem

Updated 2026-11-07